RPL Resource List

This  RPL Resource list highlights some of the most recent resources, publications and research in the RPL field:

Websites:

• www.recognitionforlearning.ca is a constantly evolving central hub for finding resources, contacts and research regarding RPL.  It has been set up as a special initiative of CAPLA, and should become the central hub for both learners looking for information and contacts about RPL, and for those involved in RPL in any way to network and discuss tools, processes and ideas with one another.
   
• www.capla.ca is the website for the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment.  It also has RPL resources.
   
• rplinmanitoba.ca  is a central government site for resources and information concerning RPL in Manitoba.
  
• www.mbRPL.ca is the Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) Resource site.
   
• www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/branches/institutions/rpl/  is the new site for the Saskatchewan Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) resources, since the Recognizing Prior Learning in Saskatchewan: Provincial Policy Framework was approved in June 2004.  It also includes a new resource developed by Saskatchewan Learning titled, A Journey of Self-Discovery: Facilitator's Guide to Reflection and Portfolio Development.
   
• fcis.oise.utoronto.ca/~RPL/database/toc.html NALL (New Approaches to Lifelong Learning) web-site of RPL and resources.
Note:  Links on this site may not be up to date, as the site was developed through a funded project which has ended.  It still remains, however, one of the most complete data bases of RPL resources available.
 
•  fcis.oise.utoronto.ca/~RPL/database/toc.html, an annotated bibliography for provincial, national and international resources.
   
• www.ola.bc.ca/pla/resources/news.html has references to resources and projects in Canada.
   
•  www.c2t2.ca   Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology in B.C. lists some excellent resources available as well as links to other sites.
   
• www.placentre.ns.ca/, information on the Nova Scotia PLA Centre which has a strong focus on portfolios.
   
• www.cael.org  is the site for the US Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, and has various publications and resources concerning RPL and adult learning.
   
• www.cmec.ca is the site of the Canadian Council of Ministers of Education, and includes various publications and resources on education in Canada.
   
• www.caeto.ca/reports/index.shtml, Canadian Alliance of Education and Training Organizations (CAETO),  has reports on the development of articulation agreements guidelines in Canada.
  
  
• www.cirl.org - Joy Van Kleef Website.  Canadian Institute for Recognizing Learning - Research projects on RPL, Quality Assurance , etc.

Books:

• Assessing Learning: Standards, Principles, and Procedures.  Urban Whitaker 1989 Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Second Edition: Fiddler M., Marienau C.; Whitaker U., 2006
   
• Assessing Learning-- A CAEL Handbook for Faculty. Susan Simosko. 1988 CAEL.
   
• Applying APL Principles in Flexible Assessment: A Practical Guide.  Susan Simosko & Cathy Cook.  1996  Kogan Page Ltd.
   
• Experiential Learning Around the World- Employability and the Global Economy. Edited by Norman Evans. 2000  Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Research and Reports:

• A Slice of the Iceberg. Cross Canada Study on Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.  Cross-Canada Partnership on RPL, Nov 1999.  A study conducted by six colleges, one college of general and professional education (cegep), and an independent RPL consultant which investigates RPL activities at seven institutions across Canada from l993/94 to l997/98.  The report attempts to identify whether RPL increases formal recognition of informal learning.  It identifies characteristics of RPL learners, the impact of the RPL experience from the learners’ and the institutions’ perspectives, and the costs of RPL.  


RPL learners are compared to traditional students with respect to demographics and academic achievement. The follow up study, Feedback from Learners: A Second Cross Canada Study of RPL was released in the fall of 2003.   These studies can be found at www.recognitionforlearning.ca.
 
• Developing Benchmarks for Recognition of Prior Learning – Practitioner Perspectives, CAPLA 2000 (authors Malcolm Day and Paul Zakos).  The CAPLA study was to develop and promote national benchmarks for those engaged in RPL assessment across Canada, in all sectors and communities.  It includes a review of the outcomes-based approach to learning in Australia, UK and Canada, and an overview of the diversity of RPL practice in Canada and the emerging issues. Benchmarks for advising and assessing are identified as a result of the research. Additional publications include: Developing Benchmarks for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition- Executive Summary and Developing Benchmarks for RPL- Guidelines for the Canadian RPL Practitioner. Reports can be accessed at www.capla.ca.
   
• Reaching our Full Potential: prior learning assessment and recognition for foreign-trained Canadians.  Canadian Labour Force Development Board, 1999.   This report identifies practical ways and recommendations on a national and provincial basis to facilitate the integration of foreign-trained persons into the Canadian labour force in an equitable, coherent and coordinated manner through RPL.  The report describes thirteen innovative RPL programs as case studies.
  
  The report can be found at:
  http://www.onestep.on.ca/resource/files2/Reaching our full potential.pdf
   
• The Adult Learning Focused Institution (ALFI).  Principles of Effectiveness for Serving Adult Learners in Higher Education. Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL). 1999-2001.   Research done by CAEL on Best Practices in Adult Learning, to develop Principles of Effectiveness in Higher Education, and an informal institutional self-assessment guide.  The Executive Summary of Principles of Effectiveness is available at www.cael.org, under the publications listing.
   
• The “Brain Gain” (Sept 2001) by Michael Bloom, Conference Board of Canada.  The report describes the economic benefits of recognizing learning and learning credentials in Canada.  This can be found at www.conferenceboard.ca
   
• The “Halifax Declaration for the Recognition of Prior Learning”, a summary of the delegate responses from the Recognizing Learning Joint National Conference (2001) for Prior Learning Assessment and Qualifications Recognition.  The report can be found at www.placentre.ns.ca
   
• Presentations from the National Best Practices Workshop on Building Community Capacity to Recognize Learning, held October 23-24, 2002 · Morell · Prince Edward Island,  are available on the CAPLA website at www.capla.ca
   
• “Canada’s Portfolio” - Building Canada’s Portfolio is a new initiative of CAPLA to document the development of RPL in Canada and to showcase  the recognition and assessment initiatives that have helped tens of thousands of adults receive credit and recognition for the skills, knowledge and credentials they've earned through their work, education, community activities, family life and personal interests. It can be found at www.capla.ca
   
• OECD (Organization for Economic & Cooperative Development) Report on
  “Thematic Review on Adult Learning - Canada: Background Report”
  found at http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/51/33/1940315.pdf
   
• OECD (Organization for Economic & Cooperative Development) “Thematic Review of Adult Learning: Canada 2002”.  Report found at: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/51/31/1940299.pdf
   
• Quality Assurance in RPL (2007) by Joy Van Kleef et al.  This is a three volume set of research on Quality Assurance in RPL, funded by the Canadian Council on Learning.  http://www.cirl.org
   
• Effectiveness of RPL - A Qualitative Study using the Voice of Canadians - CAPLA research study using research team - Aartss S., Hall G., Kennedy D., Riffell M. (2008)
   
• Recognizing the Prior Learning (RPL) of Immigrants to Canada - Moving Towards Consistency and Excellence (2006) - A CAPLA research project.  Principle researcher Mararet Riffle, Red River COllege.
   
• Achieving our Potential: An Action Plan for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (RPL) in Canada.  PLA Center, Halifax 2008.  (Available on www.placentre.ns.ca or www.ccl-cca.ca)

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